Game 6: Like Rats to the Flame – 11/29/23
Kolbus dabbed the rotgut soaked rag against the wound on his shoulder and winced. He was glad for the cloth partition hiding him from the others in the flat. He didn’t want to look weak in front of them. The Rat Lighting ceremony had started off well enough with the clubbing and slashing of a few of the vermin. But things changed drastically when first they started coming out in swarms. A bead of sweat formed and dropped from his brow as an image reemerged from his mind of the dozens of rats clawing their way up his body, scratching and biting all the way. And they changed even more drastically when that creature crawled out of the pyre as if a demon from the pits of hell and latched onto him. That was another image that was burned into his thoughts. He realized his breathing had intensified and forced himself to calm down as he dipped the rag back into the alcohol before swabbing the wound again. Animal bites were very prone to infection if not cleaned regularly.
After a rinse with water that had been boiled and left to cool, Kolbus’s thoughts turned to Cory and dealings he had started up. While a quick way to earn some coin, it was also a quick way to run afoul of the authorities as well as those with vested interest in the product or those out to shut such an operation down. Which was the very thing they had been doing just days before. Perhaps it would be a quick in and out and net Cory some gold, but Kolbus doubted it. One thing they didn’t need was more reason to watch their backs. The Rollo character that Cory had met didn’t sound like just another street thug. Kolbus would have to do a little digging to get the story on that man. He was likely dangerous, but that might be something that could be put to use in the right circumstance.
Things were starting to get some traction. He’d made some minor contacts in the city with both individuals and some of the local organizations. While Nyco had pushed for bold action, Kolbus knew they weren’t so ingrained yet that they could throw caution entirely to the wind. Half the people they’d met likely worked for or were the front for some lord’s ties to the lower end. They hadn’t even broken the surface on the factions and power struggles amongst the upper echelon. That was yet another thing that he’d need to start sifting through. It wouldn’t do to make a big stir in the Rust just to find out that they had been pulling some lordling’s tail by accident. With the rumors of how the Heels sometimes got the gumption to clean out a business, some of them had to be bought men. The thought led to the recent visitor they’d had. Kolbus wondered who might have the Sable Cloaks in their pocket.
: A Letter Home :
My dearest love,
You would be so proud of me. My compatriots and I partook in the festival I had mentioned, trying our hands at a myriad of games and rubbing elbows with the locals. By a bit of skill and a healthy helping of luck we even prevailed in some of our endeavors and took home a trinket or two as rewards.
The locals were quite enthusiastic about the event and even took to costuming to commemorate the vermin which were being cleansed from the city. One particular costume was so good that one could barely tell man from beast. I’ll have to see if I can find where the tailor of such a costume could be found. I did not know such artwork within this city nor these lands in general existed.
The local population are fine folk indeed. From librarians to rat catchers and milliners to coin changers, they all come together to share in what their city can offer. We were ever so fortunate to meet one of the Sable Cloaks, an organization dedicated to the safety of the city of Silverbrook. They mainly range the lands around the city, making sure the flora and fauna are kept in check, but a few keep an eye on the city itself. Their knowledge of the lands and the creatures that call it home must abound. Hopefully I can find some time to bend the ear of one of these fine fellow and see if the animals we are familiar with are the same that inhabit the lands of Elswick.
I fear I carry on so and hope you do not find my letters a bore. I wish you well and will continue to regale you with tidbits of my travels abroad. May the sun light your path and warm even the shadows that evade its gaze.
Fair thee well, my love.
Yours truly,
Kolbus